Blaubeuren: Blautopf, Monastery and Trails

The Blautopf and its geology

The Blautopf is a karst spring in the valley basin of Blaubeuren. Its funnel-shaped spring pool is 20.6 m deep and continues into a water-filled cave in the limestone of the Lower Felsenkalk Formation. Its blue-green hues add a striking visual accent to the natural experience; at the same time, the geological description leads from the visible spring to its continuation underground.

A tour of the monastery and the medieval bathhouse

A tour of Blaubeuren Monastery takes in the cloister courtyard, the monastic enclosure with its cloister and cloister garden, the choir with its high altar, and the monks’ medieval bathhouse. The choir is considered the heart of the monastery. The bathhouse is the only surviving example of its kind in Germany. The monastery was founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1085 and today consists mainly of Gothic buildings dating from 1466 to 1510. The tour brings together different parts of the complex: the courtyard and enclosure, the garden and choir, and the bathhouse.

Hiking and a panoramic tour

The Blaubeurer Felsenstieg is a certified quality hiking trail and a circular route around Blaubeuren. It is part of the Ice Age Trails network and is classified as moderately difficult. The 10.40 km route is listed as taking 3:30 hours, with 440 metres of ascent and 440 metres of descent. Check the route details before setting out, as conditions on site may change.

In addition, the Blaubeuren local group of the Swabian Alb Association has selected worthwhile circular and point-to-point hikes in the Blaubeuren area. These complement the premium hiking trails suggested by the town: the Eiszeitjägerpfad and the Blaubeurer Felsenstieg. Details for individual hikes may vary, so check the information for the route in question before setting out. Another way to experience Blaubeuren is to ride the Blautopfbähnle on a panoramic tour from April to October, travelling through medieval lanes and along idyllic paths to viewpoints. Check the latest details about this seasonal service before your trip.

Access and closure information

On 15 January 2025, the Blautopf reopened to everyone after temporary restrictions due to construction work; renovation work was still ongoing at the time. The Historic Hammer Mill in Blaubeuren is closed until the end of 2028 for extensive renovation work in the Blautopf area. Check the latest access and closure information before your trip.

More discoveries in the Alb-Donau district

The wider Alb-Donau district offers even more to explore. Hohle Fels near Schelklingen is a UNESCO World Heritage cave and the findspot of the “Venus of Hohle Fels” and the “Geierknochenflöte” (Vulture-bone flute); both finds are around 42,500 years old. The district also offers routes at different scales: 20 circular Ice Age Trails are 6 to 14 km long and suitable for day hikes. There are also family-friendly Ice Age Paths ranging from 1 to 6 km, as well as the Besinnungsweg for multi-day hikes.

For longer cycling trips in the Alb-Donau district, there is the 75 km “Eiszeittäler” route, the 115 km “Berg Bier-Tour” and the 186 km “Albtäler” cycle route, which has a four-star rating. These regional options complement Blaubeuren’s main attractions with more hiking and cycling possibilities. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can first consider whether your trip will focus mainly on the Blautopf and monastic culture or whether you would also like to include longer tours in the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Nellingen, Staig, Erbach, Neenstetten, Dietenheim, Amstetten, Holzkirch, Rottenacker.

View the overview of the wider destination: Alb-Donau district.